This
ivory carving of a girl gently leaning forward, with a small
brocade of flowers clinging halfway on the digging tool
which she held in her right hand, and left arm carries a
basket full of water-lilies is not an uncommon theme; even
thought the simplicity in her peasant clothes may had suggested
that she is a common mortal. However, judging from her flowing
ribbons and fairy like mannerism, which indicated that she
is a fairy, a Kwan Yin reincarnation, perhaps more likely
one of the Taoist Immortal often depicted gathering waterlily
in the depth of remote forest in Chinese folklore and mythology
.
Standing
at 11.5" tall, this large ivory statue is a fine example
of the extraordinary elegance in classic romanticism that
spanned 600 years since the Ming Dynasty (1368). The carving
is likely created in the early Republic China. The ivory
has a beautiful cream white color, and appears to be 50-75
years of age. It has been carved from a single elephant
tusk. There is no damage or hairlines, and is in perfect
condition.
